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Posted by: jer Oct 28 2008, 04:01 PM

I have often wondered this.

I like Slayer. I've got all their albums. I listen to one every couple of months or so. (if averaged out over a few years)

I've seen them live 3x.

Why are they so popular?

They aren't that good.

What do you think it is about this band that gets them the fans it does? After all these years?

Posted by: Smikey2006 Oct 28 2008, 04:04 PM

errm.. the fact that they are awesome! and Kerry King is jesus?

Idk maybe its a matter of taste, i like stuff more br()()tol than Slayer.. but i am still willing to admit that slayer is pritty much king.

Posted by: Emir Hot Oct 28 2008, 04:12 PM

I think they are a great band. I used to know every song and I learned a lot by playing their songs. Of course you have to have a taste for that kind of metal to be able to find it interesting. Their rhythm guitar figures are incredible. I like the lyrics and melodies also. They are also great live.

Posted by: ZakkWylde Oct 28 2008, 04:13 PM

Slayer was the heaviest Thrash Band and also a founder of that genre. The fans stick with them because they stayed true to their musical style over the years, unlike other Thrash Gods (...Metallica's Load,Reload,St Anger)

Posted by: Fsgdjv Oct 28 2008, 04:31 PM

I agree with the original post. I've listened to slayer, I've even seen them live. But often, they'e not more than complete rubbish, I don't understand why they are so popular.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 28 2008, 04:37 PM

Slayer have been rubbish since the Show No Mercy album.

Posted by: jer Oct 28 2008, 04:37 PM

Don't get me wrong. I dont think they are rubbish. They are just one of those bands that seem to have achieved immortality for no apparent reason.

Like AC/DC and Def Leppard.

All 3 have played some good songs. And all three have a TON of forgettable material.

IMHO

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 28 2008, 04:38 PM

AC/DC is a different thing. They are incredible because there first album they were 15 or something like that and they are still going over 30 years later. They are true legends.

Posted by: Jose Mena Oct 28 2008, 04:43 PM

I've never been a big fan of Slayer, I heard a couple of songs I though were good, but I guess together with Megadeth and Metallica they created thrash metal in the 80's. But for some reason I was more into Metallica and Megadeth and not Slayer.

Posted by: fatb0t Oct 28 2008, 05:08 PM

Slayer has AMAZING rhythm - the brutalness of the dual guitar assault of jeff hanaman and kerry king is pretty serious. HOWEVER, their guitar soloing ability is laughable. They do chromatic solos that sound like poop mixed with whammy bar artificial harmonic abuse.
I listen to Slayer for their chugging rhythms and bad ass melodies - certainly not the solos.

I loveeee Slayer though hahah

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Oct 28 2008, 05:17 PM

I think they are what in metal is called TRUE, there´s a lot of bands (like metallica at the top) who has changed so much, I´m proud to say that slayer is not one of them.
so, when you listen to slayer, you feel their brutality, their passion...
people feels that, beside if they´re great musicians or not.

Posted by: jer Oct 28 2008, 05:56 PM

Yeah. I can see that.

Its more credibility to their roots and focus. Rather than musicianship.

Posted by: Emir Hot Oct 28 2008, 06:31 PM

I remember in the Guitar Techniques magazine, the only song rated (difficulty 10/10) was a Slayer song - Raining Blood I think. I also think that Dave Lombardo is one of the best metal drummers ever. I agree that the soloing in Slayer is a bit funny bat that's not the point of that band at all.

Posted by: Nazgul Oct 28 2008, 06:33 PM

I agree with Lian. Though I have to point out that it is not that hard for Slayer to stay "true", because they have a well defined sound and just need heavy riffs to fit their style. For bands like Metallica it's not that easy. Though I really like Slayer, especially Dave.

Posted by: jer Oct 28 2008, 06:45 PM

It always makes me feel better about my leads.

Posted by: ChrisVdS Oct 28 2008, 07:46 PM

One of my collegues showed me a cd from slayer a few months ago it was a bit to heavy for me but these days i noticed that i'm really listening more to blues then metal

Posted by: Fsgdjv Oct 28 2008, 08:42 PM

Credibillity is just a load of bullcrap. It's all about musicianship, nothing elese for me, I don't care if a band has any contact with some so called roots as long as they make good music. I can't say I enjoy slayers music as stated above. (allthough, they have some catchy songs, I have to admit that)

Posted by: Enucleation Oct 29 2008, 12:01 AM

I despise Slayer but that isn't my point here.

All the talk people give about sticking to their roots and not changing is ridiculous. I don't want the same album 10 times. A wise musician once told me words I couldn't agree with more "Once you get one Slayer album you've heard them all."

A band should change things up every few album, or well, not so much change but. It seems Slayer has found the safe zone and they refuse to experiment in any way.

Posted by: Young Guitarist Oct 29 2008, 07:46 AM

I dont really like slayer. to be honest.

They are a great band, just not my type of band

I dont feel they're very popular =/

Posted by: blindwillie Oct 29 2008, 08:29 AM

Agree totally. The bands that stay "true" are the ones that last for me.


Why is that ridicolous?
I don't listen to an artist because it is that specific artist. I listen to them because of the music they play.
I like a band because of their style or sound. If they change too much they are no longer what I liked about them. Some artists like to evolve into different styles and other artists don't. That's their choise. If I want to listen to a different sound or style I pick another artist. That's my choise.I see no problem with that. Change for the sake of change is rediculous.

Posted by: rokchik Oct 30 2008, 12:03 AM

As I grew up in the 80's metal era I do remember hearing Slayer for the first time and thinking "Man, my mother is sooo going to hate this... I must listen to more" I never really got into Slayer though, I was more of an Anthrax/ Metallica girl, however the friends I have that loved Slayer then love Slayer now. They basically say the same thing that Slayer stayed true to the style and beliefs that made them great in the 80's. For my friends it seems Slayer is the one consistant band for them and they will never get old... musically I mean

rok

Posted by: Guitarman700 Oct 30 2008, 03:38 AM

How is it that you get consistently more awesome every time you speak? I wish i knew women that listened to anthrax around here, or even listened to something other than MTV rap. (sigh) must be a canadian thing!

Posted by: Emir Hot Oct 30 2008, 04:03 AM

Man I love Anthrax. That's one of those bands that have true fans forever. Their show in London last year was awesome.

Posted by: audiopaal Oct 30 2008, 09:04 AM

I think they're great! Their rythm guitar work is amazing
It's just a matter of taste, some like them and some don't..
Some here say they're rubbish, which is strange because it's all a matter of personal taste.
Why are they rubbish, because you don't like them?

There's quite a lot of bands I don't like, but I try not to call them rubbish

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 30 2008, 09:53 AM

Because I am god, sonny

Only joking. I think since Show No Mercy they have been fairly poor in my opinion. Anthrax, Megadeth, Exodus and Testament are all far better thrash bands. Coroner also \m/

Posted by: Fsgdjv Oct 30 2008, 04:03 PM

Ofcourse I say they are rubbish because it's my personal taste. It would be weird if I called them rubbish for any other reason.

Posted by: audiopaal Oct 30 2008, 04:35 PM

Rubbish rocks

Posted by: Matt23 Oct 30 2008, 05:40 PM

I've got to say im not the biggest slayer fan, though i remember when i liked them so i can see the appeal.

Posted by: steiner666 Oct 30 2008, 07:30 PM

Some of Slayers music I liked... There are some catchy riffs (raining blood, south of heaven, others i dont remember the name of) none of it really outstanding when compared to some of today's extreme metal standards (or even to the more impressive bands of the era, i.e. Megadeth), but still appreciable as being one of the originals. And yeah, I give them lots of respect for staying true to the sound that defines them as a band.

However sometimes change is good. One thing i never liked about Slayer was the vocals. I mean, early Metallica had some pretty lame vocals too in my opinion, but never as bad as Slayers. Its like constant shouting in a monotone voice, not dynamic or interesting in the least. No expression of emotion, no variation in feeling, and not profound in any way. I had the same problem with Arch Enemy's original vocalist. Sometimes vocalists can really kill a band, especially when they're so hard to hear past like the aforementioned ones.

Still, an undeniably influential band... even if they never really did much for me by way of inspiration, they undoubtedly did inspire some bands whose music i do love.

Posted by: rokchik Oct 30 2008, 10:59 PM

Thanks G-man I'm flattered. I must say I'm not much of a "girly-girl" never have been. I've always been the girl out there playing sports with the guys and not worried about my hair (or lack there of) or breaking a nail. Never one to live up to others opinions of how a girl should behave. Now don't get me wrong I do have some questionable albums in my possession (but you'll never know what they are ) And I do enjoy the occasional romantic comedy I've even cried at a movie, the end of An Affair to Remember gets me everytime... so does the Dirty Dozen And I do enjoy getting dolled up every now and then.

But musically I love it loud and rocking baby... with maybe a bit of Coldplay or Eminem thrown in for good measure I love Anthrax. Caught in a Mosh is still in heavy rotation on my iPod. But for some reason I never really got into Slayer... not sure why???? They have some very catchy riffs and very interesting lyrics but just not my cup of tea I guess. Still though, a very influential band and they certainly keep things interesting... oh and my mother still hates them LOL!

rok

Posted by: lespaul363 Nov 2 2008, 06:32 PM

I never really liked Slayer, although I would listen to them occasionally. I'm more of a Metallica or Megadeth kid of person.

http://img75.imageshack.us/my.php?image=god20listensud6to3.jpghttp://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php

Posted by: VinceG Nov 2 2008, 07:02 PM

I could never like Slayer. Far more better bands out there that can thrash better than Slayer. I could see why there held so high though. Show No Mercy is one of early blasphemous albums out there. People just take there stuff seriously, and most Slayer fans doesn't know the real blasphemous stuff out there like Judas Iscariot or Satanic Warmaster so they held Slayer so high for saying taboo stuff.

Posted by: Fsgdjv Nov 2 2008, 07:06 PM

Do people actually want to listen to music just because it's blasphemous? Sounds weird to me.

Posted by: VinceG Nov 3 2008, 06:31 PM

Youd be surprised how many people listen to Slayer or Cannibal Corpse just because of the gory/satanic lyrics. Its usually mallcore kids though so its good.

Posted by: tommyboy Nov 6 2008, 09:16 PM

Normally I don't reply to a post like this but when I read your thoughts I couldn't help myself.

I totally agree with you. I think what makes a artist is the constant exploration of your interests. Many bands find a formula that works and stay put.

I think a good example of maturing and exploring their music is Avenged Sevenfold. As a 41 year old I'm a little above the normal listening age. However, I work with younger guys so I was exposed to them some time ago. I think their first two albums show their potential but they kept pursuing their musical interest and I think they are coming into their own and may become legends when it's all said and done. Personally I didn't really care for the first two albums, however, their last two I think are fantastic.

My thoughts,
tommyboy

Posted by: jer Nov 6 2008, 10:40 PM

If they've had something to the contrary pounded into their head, against their free thinking will, for years they will.

Its called rebellion.



That's what other bands are for.

In my opinion, albums arent much unlike movies. Should George Lucas have stuck with the look and feel of the orignal Star Wars trilogy? Or did you think Jar Jar and Co was a move in the right direction.

Whats wrong with liking something and wanting more of it? Ever eat the same meal more than once? Why did you do that? You wanted to experience it again. You didnt force yourself to keep cooking your steak a different way each time did you?

If you want to experiment then feel free to do so. But be prepared to lose the fans of your current stuff if they arent looking to go on that ride with you. And remember, the fans are a musicians employer. Staying safe isnt stupid. Its called job security. Give people what they want and they'll buy it.

Why should Slayer, or anyone else, build a admirable fan base only to alienate them in the name of "artistry"? That sounds like bad business.

Posted by: Fsgdjv Nov 6 2008, 11:08 PM

Oh I see, the problem is, I never understood what the point with rebellion for the sake of rebellion was anyways. I suppose I'll never understand some things

Also, about your point with the Starwars movies, I think that there's a difference between changing and evolving. Changing feels like just making something different, but evolving is what I want a band to do, do their same things, but in new ways that improve the overall music.

Posted by: berko Nov 6 2008, 11:10 PM

Too bad Slayer is simply unable to do any other kind of music. I feel sometimes that they do not even have a clue about e.g other genres in music, other tendencies etc. It's easy to remain "true" to their music, or stick to their roots this way.

When referring to their lyrics, their ateism and so on are their fans listening to music or what? No, they don't, these fans admire them as if they were supporting a futball team or a political party for some vague reasons (that's a different topic)

Like many bands (from death-metal to hip-hop), Slayer doesn't seem to by trustworthy at all. They smell like business and narrow-mindedness.

Posted by: Zsolt Galambos Nov 13 2008, 02:08 PM

Slayer has been true to their fans from the day No1. It is true that technically Kerry and Jeff aren't that good,
but no one could do such crazy solos like them. Not to talk about rhythms, if it weren't for Slayer, noone would
be capable of inventing those mean/evil riffs. People respect them for being true and for the mentioned things.

Posted by: superize Nov 13 2008, 10:12 PM

I really hate when bands change their style of music from album to album......

I have never been a fan i new albums i really like older ones....

A great example is the powermetal band Moonlight Agony. I loved their first album it was really heavy with great riffs and keyboard arrangments... Their second album is so much different The havey riffs are totally gone.....

That my word on why i dont like band that change their style of music....

Slayer has always keept it the same.. and thats cool

Posted by: Muris Varajic Nov 14 2008, 03:01 PM

That kind of metal was always too heavy for me
but rhythmical stuff they do is really killer.

Posted by: chast Nov 14 2008, 03:33 PM

I like Slayer, it's so much fun to play these evil riffs, and no one can write more evil riffs than Slayer
The riffs just makes me headbang when listening to them
What I also like is, that they are conviced of the stuff they do.